House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) pushed back Friday night against concerns that Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s criticism could derail the Republican-led “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a cornerstone legislative package reflecting President Trump’s core agenda. Appearing on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime, Johnson dismissed Musk’s opposition, describing the bill as a direct fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promises.
When asked if Musk would sink the legislation, Johnson replied, “Absolutely not,” adding that both Congress and the White House are “feeling the same energy” and working in sync. Johnson emphasized that the bill includes record tax cuts, historic spending reductions, a secure border plan, American energy independence, and major regulatory reform.
Musk, formerly head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has criticized the bill for increasing the deficit, a claim Johnson said was based on “liberal CBO analysis.” Johnson argued that maintaining current tax relief policies is not new spending but essential to avoid the largest tax hike in U.S. history.
Johnson stated the bill includes $1.6 trillion in spending cuts, calling it “a historic level.” He acknowledged the need for further fiscal tightening, aligning partially with Musk’s call for deeper cuts, but emphasized that budget reform will come in phases.
“This is the first in a series of things that we are going to do to get the country back on fiscal trajectory,” Johnson said. “And it starts with the Big, Beautiful Bill.”
He confirmed the legislation is on track to pass before Independence Day and credited President Trump for leading the effort with resolve and consistency.
